Basics to Broadway, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Acrobatics, Pointe, Lyrical

Viewing By Month : July 2010 / Main

For Our Kids

Posted in Musings at 4:08 PM on July 31, 2010

There’s a classic Broadway song that asks “Why do we live this crazy life? Applause!”

I thought about that question—and it’s answer—as I reflected on our two shows today at Merle Hay Mall. The answer is right on. We do this for the applause—applause for our kids.

But the enthusiastic response of our audiences is only the immediate “reward” for a job well done. Boldly stepping into the light and twirling, jumping, and bouncing to the beat has benefits far more powerful and more permanent: benefits that reveal themselves over time.

Some of today’s performers have danced with us for more than a decade, developing into seasoned entertainers and confident young adults. Others are at the beginning of their journey into self-assurance and “grace under pressure,” yet still held their own in front of a sea of families, friends, and fans.

A few of our youngest dancers took the stage with only two or three others, unable to rely on "strength in numbers," but instead relying on their own abilities to bravely “command the stage.” One little girl performed an unexpected solo when her partner was unable to attend; she carried it off like a pro.

Some day our cute (and handsome) primary dancers will be the ones leading the way for the next generation of kids, just like today’s teenagers were once the “newbies,” finding their path along the journey of life—and dance.

Elton John said it well. It’s the circle of life. Today’s kids are tomorrow’s leaders. Any investment we can make in their leadership, their values, and their confidence is well worth while. It’s how we build our future, one kid—and one dance—at a time.

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Fabulous Feet!

Posted in Musings at 11:09 PM on July 29, 2010

I love looking at feet--especially across a room. When I see someone I don't know, I immediately register a technical score. "How much dance training have they had?" I wonder.

Dancers' feet are especially interesting even when they are NOT dancing. Do they carry what they learn in class into their everyday movement? What are the big signals that a person has taken her--or his--technical training seriously?

Turned in, parallel, or turned out?
Look for this when someone is walking as well as standing.

Rolling in, balanced, or rolling out?
The muscles on the inside and the outside of the foot (and ankle) need to be strong enough to keep the foot in alignment.

Leading with the heels or rolling through the foot?
Dancers need to master the art of being on the balls of their feet. The trickiest time seems to be as dancers are escalating to a leap, often digging into their heels because they think this will help them achieve power.

All three of these skills are critical. It takes mental understanding, kinesthetic awarness, and a lot of repetition to create the muscle memory needed for this skill set, so dancers: make sure you "work your feet--and they'll be fabulous!"

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Dance Camp--The Original

Posted in Programs at 10:18 AM on July 24, 2010

Every year when summer rolls around I rediscover the magic—and uniqueness—of Dance Camp. It’s close to my heart, an education-arts phenomenon, and it pioneered the shape of summer dance for studios everywhere.

In 1985, during the break between our spring performance and fall registration, our dancers wanted something to do. As an educator I’ve long appreciated the value of studying multiple disciplines, so I pondered.

“Why not have a week-long full-day series of classes centered around dance, but with an expanded curriculum?” Add singing, dramatics, announcements, cheerleading, auditioning, choreography, as well as all the diverse dance styles that we love. And Dance Camp was born.

At that time, nothing like it existed anywhere. The closest things to it were “Little Miss Enrichment School” and “Valley Dance Theater,” two other summer programs I had pioneered in the 60’s and 70’s. (I was a budding entrepreneur of the arts, creating my own summer jobs!)

In fact, the phrase “Dance Camp” was my personal brand name. Local advertisers respected that ownership for several years and wouldn’t allow “copycat programs” to use it in their ads. Eventually Dance Camp went the way of Kleenex, Jello-O, and Walkman—losing their brand identification as they became commonly used.

Dance Camp was an immediate hit, and over the years has grown to a program with five age groups—all eclectic, yet dance-based. Dozens of Dance Camp graduates have gone on to professional careers on Broadway, in touring companies, in dance companies, in film, on television, on radio, on cruise ships, and in the recording industry. And literally hundreds have come back years later and thanked me for the confidence, seasoning, and grace under pressure that they attribute to their dance experience—especially those happy, silly, summer days of dance and so much more.

Each summer I’m inspired once again. Seeing how much our Dance Campers grow in just a week—and comparing where the youngest ones are to the dancers who’ve come to our camp for 12-15 years. It is truly amazing to see how much difference an activity can make in the lives of kids. The benefits last a lifetime.

It’s a huge responsibility—and my absolute passion. I love it!

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Grease: It's The Word

Posted in Musings at 12:13 AM on July 19, 2010

Every time I think of the show "Grease," I think of Paul Dieke--a musical genius, a local legend, and a personal friend.

I met Paul at the DM Playhouse when we both worked on "West Side Story." We did three other musicals together, both great believers that artistic excellence and commercial success are achievable at the same time.

In 1986 I put together a medley of songs from "Grease" to perform at Disneyland. With my conceptualization, editing, and choreography, and Paul's excellent vocal coaching, we had a hit.

Over the years we revived my Grease Medley several times, each with a new set of singers. Each time Paul was there, guiding, coaxing, and tweaking my dancers until they sounded pretty good!

Now here we are again with a new cast, but no Paul. He recently passed away, and I miss him deeply. His words and advice are a part of me, and I'm trying to impart his knowledge to this new flock of fledglings. So I'll dig deep and give it my best shot, for my singers--and for Paul.

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Get Out Da Shades!

Posted in Greetings! at 7:40 PM on July 12, 2010

It's "techno-riffic!"

How ya doin', dance fans? Have you checked out all the pages of our newly revised web site? The cutting-edge technology we're using will make updates fast and frequent. We'll be able to add photos and videos, so watch for those soon. And our "Contact Us" page will zip your inquiries right to the front desk.

In addition, we're continuing our techno "forward motion" by updating our payment processing. Starting this fall we will be able to accept both credit-card and direct payment for your tuition and fees. We know this is a welcome addition to many of our dance families.

Plus, we're transitioning our database to an online system which will allow our receptionists to check a student's status online from any of our locations. Eventually we will tie in our web site to our database, allowing our customers to check their accounts online! That's a bit of a way off, but it's in our future! Yeah!!

So hold on to your tap hats! To use the lyrics from one of my kid song faves, the future's so bright, I just might need to wear shades!!

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Paradigm Shift

Posted in Greetings! at 6:56 PM on July 9, 2010

It's the dawn of a new age, folks.

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Startin' Today!

Posted in Greetings! at 6:53 PM on July 9, 2010

Yippity, skippity! Hip, hip, hooray!
A brand new dance season starts today!
Teachers are ready; receptionists, too.
We're all itchy twitchy just waitin' for you.
Baby ballerinas and the hip-hop team;
Tappers and rappers with rhythm and steam;
Ladies that glide and gents that can rock;
Nippers and flippers are watchin the clock.
We're ready to go cuz it's time to dance.
The tunes will be flowing from pop to trance.
So get yourself down and don't be late.
It's time for Dance Magic, and it'll be great!

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'Sup, Bloggers?

Posted in Greetings! at 6:47 PM on July 9, 2010

Welcome to our blog!

We've joined the newest communication trend with our own Betty Hill Dance Studios blog, and we're glad you've found us. We hope to have updates, news, and other blog-worthy information on a regular basis--so check back periodically to find out wha-sup!

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